Jerome Ju "Jerry" Bishop

Jerome Ju "Jerry" Bishop, age 80, of Oxford, Mississippi, passed away peacefully at home on February 2, 2026, surrounded by family. The family will hold a memorial service on Monday, February 9, 2026, at 2:00 PM at the Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Kilmichael, MS.

Jerry was born on June 6, 1945, in Opelika, Alabama, to Emmett and Ruby Bishop. He was preceded in death by his parents, Emmett and Ruby Bishop, his brother Gus Bishop, and his sisters Maudie Turner and Helen Misner. He is survived by his sister Ginger Moore.

He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Patricia Ann Bishop; his children, Susan Blair Bishop and Steven Michael "Pete" Bishop (Denease); and his grandchildren, Mary Katherine Clinton (née Bishop), Steven Matthew Bishop, and Margaret Ann Bishop.

After enlisting in the United States Army, Jerry volunteered for Airborne training and earned his Parachutist Badge at Fort Benning in January 1966 before serving with the 82nd Airborne Division and deploying to Vietnam as a Field Radio Operator with C Battery, 2nd Battalion, 19th Artillery, assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). He served in combat from 1966 to 1967 and participated in major campaigns including Operations Masher (White Wing), Paul Revere II, and Thayer II.

For his courage and service, he was awarded the Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with campaign stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal, and his unit was honored with the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation. Following his honorable discharge, he continued his commitment to service through the National Guard.

Jerry later dedicated 45 years of his life to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, working first as a crane operator and later as a lock master, before retiring after a long and distinguished career.

He believed deeply in service-to his family, his country, and his community. He was an active member of Vietnam Veterans Chapter 240 in Nashville, Tennessee, and later the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 48 in Oxford, Mississippi, and took great pride in supporting fellow veterans. He never met a stranger and made everyone feel welcome, respected, and valued.

Jerry loved being with his family, spending time with friends, and enjoying the outdoors through hunting and fishing. He was an avid reader who loved learning about the world. A tireless provider, he often worked extra shifts and overtime to ensure his family always had what they needed.

Jerry was gentle, gracious, respectful, and kind. He stood against injustice and sought to make things better whenever possible. He was responsible, reliable, honest, hardworking, intelligent, and persevering-stubborn at times, but always guided by integrity and love.

Above all, Jerry will be remembered for his faith in God, and as a man who lived a life of quiet strength, service, and unwavering devotion to those he loved.

Arrangements are entrusted to Waller Funeral Home of Oxford, Mississippi.